Pacific Islands Development Program, East-West CenterWith Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawai‘i

Guam Election Commission Owes $220,000Commission hopes for access to reserves owed by government

By Joy White

HAGÅTÑA, Guam (Marianas Variety Guam, Jan. 25, 2013) – The Guam Election Commission (GEC) is struggling to pay off more than $220,000 in overdue bills from the general election in November and outstanding debts owed to its legal counsel.

Executive Director Maria Pangelinan said she is working with the Bureau of Budget Management and Research to release reserve funds for money owed to government agencies that provided services to the commission during the election.

GEC owes the Guam Police Department $1,500 for police escort services; the Department of Public Works $1,800 for bussing; the University of Guam Computer Center $9,000 for the Voter Registration System; and the UOG Field House $10,000.

GEC has other outstanding debts, Pangelinan said.

She said GEC staff have been reconciling their accounts dating as far back to 2005, and have found that $205,000 is still owed to Cabot and Mantanona LLP for previous services.

GEC chairman Joseph Mesa urged Pangelinan to notify Gov. Eddie Calvo and the Legislature when the issue was discussed at its general meeting early this week. According to law, all expenses of elections must be paid for by general appropriations.

Pangelinan told Variety she will be contacting the governor and the Legislature soon.